A tragic accident in Santa Fe, New Mexico claimed the life of a bicyclist on the evening of June 18, 2025, after a collision involving a motor vehicle. The Santa Fe Police Department has confirmed that the crash occurred around 8:20 p.m. near the intersection of Cerillos Road and St. Michaels Drive.
According to officials, 42-year-old Steven Ballinger was riding his bicycle when he was struck by a vehicle. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. As of now, no charges have been announced, and the investigation is ongoing.
Few additional details have been released about the cause of the crash or the condition of the vehicle or driver.
Legal Issues in Bicycle vs. Vehicle Collisions
Crashes involving bicyclists and cars often result in serious or fatal injuries, as cyclists have little protection in a collision. Police investigations in cases like this will examine:
- Whether the driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired
- Whether the bicyclist was traveling with the right-of-way
- Visibility, lighting, and weather conditions at the time of the crash
- Compliance with local traffic laws for both the driver and cyclist
Even if a driver remains at the scene, they may still be liable for the crash if they violated traffic laws or failed to exercise due care while sharing the roadway with a cyclist.
Wrongful Death Claims After a Bicycle Accident
When a bicyclist is killed due to driver negligence, their surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Compensation may be available for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Medical expenses incurred before death
An experienced personal injury attorney can investigate whether driver negligence, road design, or defective vehicle components contributed to the incident.
What to Do After a Fatal Bicycle Accident
If your family has lost a loved one in a bicycle crash:
- Request a copy of the police report and crash reconstruction
- Preserve any witness information and video footage
- Consult with a legal team familiar with wrongful death and traffic fatality cases
Prompt action is critical to protect evidence and ensure the family’s rights are preserved.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing families who have lost loved ones in motor vehicle accidents. We understand the emotional and financial burden these tragedies cause, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable.
If you have questions about your legal options after a bicycle crash, contact us today for a free consultation.
📞 Call us at 713-804-9306
Let our attorneys fight for justice on behalf of your family.